You could suffer serious injuries if a negligent driver causes your bicycle accident. In July 2021, a new law went into effect in Virginia designed to protect bicycle riders. Here’s what you need to know about the law and how it could affect your claim for compensation with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Important Changes to Virginia’s Bike Laws
On July 1, 2021, a new law went into effect to protect bicyclists from being injured in collisions. Two key provisions of this law include:
- Bicycle riders are now allowed to ride two abreast in a lane. Under the former law, they were allowed to ride side by side but were required to ride in single file to permit a motor vehicle to pass them.
- Drivers must change lanes before passing a bicycle—even if it means crossing a yellow line. This will allow bicycle riders to continue to safely ride two abreast in a lane.
How Virginia’s New Laws Could Affect Your Bicycle Accident Claim
In order to be entitled to compensation for your injuries in a bicycle accident, you must prove that the other driver’s negligence caused your crash. If you were riding side by side with another biker and the motorist failed to change lanes before passing you, this could be proof that their negligence was the cause of the collision. They could also be found to be at fault if they engaged in other unsafe driving practices, such as speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving, while sharing the lane with another cyclist or you.
In addition, their insurance company may try to raise disputes about their liability in an effort to deny your claim or pay you less than you deserve in your settlement. They no longer can argue that you were contributorily negligent in causing the accident by riding side by side.
How to Prove a Driver’s Driving Caused Your Bicycle Accident
Were you injured in a bicycle accident? You need to hire an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. They will investigate the cause of your collision, collect the evidence you need to prove the driver was at fault, and fight with their insurance company so that you receive all the damages you deserve from them. To learn how our knowledgeable legal team can assist you, contact our Norfolk office to schedule your free case evaluation today.
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